The 6 Best Donut Pillows & Coccyx Cushions for Tailbone Pain

Are you tired of dealing with tailbone pain that just won’t go away?

Do you find it difficult to sit comfortably for long periods?

Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, can be a real pain in the, well, you know where.

It can make even the simplest tasks feel like a chore and can leave you feeling frustrated and irritable.

Thankfully, there is a solution: donut pillows and coccyx cushions are designed to alleviate pressure on your tailbone and improve your posture, allowing for hours of sitting comfortably and pain-free.

But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which coccygeal pillow is right for you. That’s why we’ve done the research for you – right here.

In a hurry? 

See our short comparison table, or jump to our tailbone pillows reviews below:

This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

How Does a Donut Pillow Help Tailbone Pain?

A donut pillow is an ergonomically designed orthopedic pillow with a round cut-out section that allows for even weight distribution while you sit on it, and removes the pressure on the coccyx area – when sitting on hard surfaces.

A donut pillow is also slightly angled to promote good posture (sitting straight rather than slouching) and thus promotes better blood flow for people who sit for long periods.

This tailbone posture correction allows the coccyx to heal faster while relieving your pain.

A donut pillow or a coccyx seat cushion can be helpful for pain caused by prolonged sitting, cycling, driving, tailbone injuries, sciatica, posture-related back pain, spine surgery recovery, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Tailbone Pillow Types

In the past, inflatable donut pillows were popular, but now you can also find other types of tailbone pillows, such as memory foam coccyx pillows, and gel foam seat cushions.

Tailbone pillows vary in their shape, size, material, density, and extra features – such as a removable and washable cover, or a non-slip bottom that keeps it in place.

1. Inflatable Donut Pillows – made from nylon or vinyl, medical donut pillows are made with a cut-out section and allow you to customize the size and feel of the pillow for your body shape.

These can also be used for hemorrhoid relief.

A good example is Dr. Frederick’s donut pillow.

2. Memory Foam Coccygeal cushions – these are specially designed for coccyx pain.

Also known as wedge cushions, they are similar to donut pillows but usually have a smaller U-shaped cut-out section on the back of the pillow.

They are ergonomically designed and the memory foam contours to your body shape. However, they are not adjustable in size, height, and density.

A good example is the Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion you’ll find below.

3. Gel Foam Seat Cushions – these are soft and spongy pillows, made from a combination of memory foam and a gel layer.

They tend to last longer.

However, you’ll have to choose a high-quality one, that won’t flatten quickly.

A good example is the Comfilife Gel Cushion you’ll find below.

All tailbone pillows are portable and can be used anywhere, including an ergonomic office chair, couch, sofa, living room recliner (with good lumbar support), car seat, airplane seat, etc.

Donut Pillows vs. Coccyx (Coccygeal) Cushions

Both donut pillows and coccyx pillows are used to relieve pressure from the tailbone area, but Coccyx pillows (sacral cut-out cushions) do not have a hole in the center.

Instead, they have a smaller cut-out section in the back of the pillow and are made only from memory foam or gel-infused memory foam.

According to a study by Dr. Patrick M. Foye (MD), most people do not prefer one type of pillow over the other, but those who do have a preference – were 5 times more likely to prefer the Coccyx pillow.

The 6 Best Coccyx & Donut Pillows 

Donut-shaped pillows and coccyx seat cushions can be found anywhere online, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and more.

Amazon has the largest variety to choose from, but sometimes you’ll find lower-cost options at Walmart, Target, etc.

Here are our picks, reviewed and compared:

1. Best Medical –  Ergonomic Innovations Orthopedic Donut Pillow

The Ergonomic Innovation medical donut pillow has special contours on both sides of it to fix your posture while you sit, and it has just the right firmness for optimal support – without flattening out the moment you sit on it.

The size is average – it fits any chair, is not too small or too large, and has many small silicone dots on the bottom that keep the pillow from sliding off.

The cover is soft and comfy, and the zipper is frustration-free because it opens all the way around so you can easily take the cover off and wash it.

Pros

• Openings on both sides of the pillow
• Easily removable and washable cover
• Carrying handle
• The sturdy package can be used for storing and is great for a gift
• Does not slide out of place

Cons

• May not be supportive enough for heavier people, who need a firmer and larger donut pillow.

✅ Available on Amazon ($75)

Lower cost alternative – the Primica Donut Pillow:

The Primica Donut Pillow ($28) is designed the same as the above pillow, although it is a bit smaller (16.5″ x 13″).

On the other hand, this one has a much bigger height – 8 inches high compared to the 2.5 inches of the Ergonomic Innovations Pillow.

According to users, it is high quality, reasonably priced, and does the job.

2. Best for Pregnancy – Anbocare Donut Gel Cushion

The Anbocare sacral relief cushion is unique due to its combination of memory foam and gel for optimal comfort and cooling.

The thick memory foam insert is covered by a cooling gel layer with a gentle massaging surface and a breathable cotton cover.

Through our research of consumer reviews, we found that the shape of the pillow is perfect for supporting pregnant women’s tailbone and pelvic area, which are the two areas that tend to cause the most discomfort during pregnancy.

The pillow is also lightweight and portable, so they can easily bring it with them wherever they go.

This one is heavier than the average donut seat cushion (about 1.4 pounds) which makes it sturdier and less likely to flatten out with time. It can properly support people up to 300 pounds and is firm.

Another great advantage is that it includes a zippered removable cover, a non-slip base, and a carry handle.

Pros

• Firm and dense – supports heavier people and pregnant women
• Has a carrying handle
• Keep your seat cool
• Easy to wash with a removable cover
• Nonslip base to keep it from wiggling

Cons

• Not the best choice for people who prefer a softer pillow under their butt

✅ Available on Amazon ($34)

3. Best Cooling – ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion

The Comfilife is another gel-infused tailbone pillow, but this one is not a donut-shaped pillow but a memory foam seat cushion with a U-shaped cut-out section in the rear and is considered a Coccyx pillow.

It is also a little wider than average but still fits all seats.

The Comfilife is best for coccyx pain, sciatica, herniated discs, and posture-related conditions because it keeps you sitting in a proper posture and relieves the pressure on the tailbone.

This is why many consumers say that they take it with them everywhere, including flights and long drives in the car.

When I tried it, I was delighted to find that it fits around the tailbone perfectly and I can sit for hours with no pain.

Thanks to the non-slip bottom the pillow does not move around, and the cover is easily removable and washable.

Pros

• High-quality memory foam that doesn’t flatten for at least a year
• Stays in place and does not move under you
• Removable and washable cover
• Has a carrying handle

Cons

• May flatten quickly if the user is over 200 pounds

✅ Available on Amazon ($26)

4. Best for Heavy People – Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion

The Everlasting Seat Cushion is very similar to the Comfilife and is about the same size and orthopedic design.

It is made from high-density memory foam and can provide daily pain relief for people up to 400 pounds.

It was tested by OEKO-TEX to earn the STANDARD 100 label – meaning every component is certified safe and harmless for human health.

For me, this is very important.

Also, the company offers a lifetime replacement policy, which is important since all memory foam pillows are destined to flatten at some point.

However, it does not have a cooling gel layer on it.

When we tried it, we found that It helps to sit straight up without feeling pelvis pain and sciatic pain.

It stays put on our tall kitchen chair perfectly, and it doesn’t get too hot.

Pros

• The best-selling tailbone seat cushion on Amazon with high ratings
• Lifetime warranty
• Tested for safe materials and passed
• Supports people up to 400 pounds
• Removable cover for easy washing

Cons

• The lowest height on this list

✅ Available on Amazon ($33) and at Walmart ($39)

5. Best for the Car and Large Seats – Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion

The Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion is the largest and deepest seat cushion on this list, and the only one proudly made in the USA.

Its unique qualities make it best for people suffering from tailbone sensitivity while sitting and sciatica pain.

This extra wide pillow is highly recommended for truckers, drivers, gamers, and every person who sits on larger chairs or is heavier.

It has an indentation where your tailbone rests to relieve pressure, and the grid cradles your tailbone (and even wallet!) while cushioning the rest of your seat.

Hundreds of air pockets prevent sitting on a sweat seat, and the high-quality foam is made to last and bounce right back the minute you get up.

Pros

• Wider and deeper tailbone pillow
• Ultimate buttock support for sciatica sufferers
• Stays cool
• Fits larger chairs, recliners, and gaming chairs
• Has a grippy bottom
• Free shipping and a 30-day trial
• Made in the USA

Cons

• May not fit narrow office chairs
• More expensive than average, probably due to its size

✅Available at Purple ($159) and on Amazon ($159)

6. Best Inflatable – Dr. Frederick’s Original Donut Pillow

The best thing about Dr. Frederick’s donut pillow is the ability to inflate the pillow to the exact stiffness and height you need, while the durable shape distributes your body weight evenly around the tailbone.

It can hold up to 330 pounds!

This donut-shaped cushion is free of latex and harsh chemicals and unlike many other donut pillows – has no odor.

The synthetic flannel cover is hypoallergenic and machine washable.

You can choose from 2 sizes – 15 inches/18 inches, and it comes with a small air pump for easy inflating.

The smaller size is better for travel, the larger one is better for most people.

If you opt for an inflatable tailbone pillow, this physician-developed donut pillow is our top recommendation and has a fair price tag.

Pros

• Adjustable height and firmness
• Removable and washable soft cover
• Holds high weight
• Odorless
• Lower cost than memory foam pillows

Cons

• No cooling elements and the flannel cover is quite warming

✅Available on Amazon ($15)

How to Choose a Tailbone Pillow

Consider these factors before choosing a donut pillow or a coccyx seat cushion:

1. Size – the pillow you choose must fit your body shape and seat size.

A pillow that is too small will not support your spine properly, and a pillow that is too big may not fit in an office chair.

2. Material and density – for the best results and maximum pain relief, your tailbone pillow needs to be soft enough for comfort, yet firm enough to fix your posture and align the coccyx properly.

A pillow that is too soft will make you sink in it, and a pillow that is too hard can aggravate your pain.

3. Extra features – some special features may seem unnecessary, but in time you may find them very helpful.

For example, a non-slip bottom prevents the pillow from slipping under you while you sit.

A removable cover can be machine-washed to keep the pillow clean.

A mesh cover can help prevent sweating and keep the pillow cool. So can a gel layer.

4. Cost – the price of donut pillows and coccyx pillows depends on the material, quality, and special features. Generally, the price ranges from $15 to $70.

Inflatable donut pillows are the least expensive ones, while memory foam orthopedic pillows are the most expensive ones.

How to Sit on a Donut Pillow to Relieve Tailbone Pain

When you sit on a donut cushion, make sure your coccyx is centered over the cut-out section, with each buttock cheek placed on one side of the cushion opening.

After placing yourself properly, try to lean forward a bit rather than reclining back to further alleviate the tailbone pain.

For best results, you should try to sit at a 90-degree angle between your hips and feet, and a straight back.

For this purpose, you’ll need to sit on something with proper back support, and it’s best to have a footrest to elevate your feet since the pillow is thick and will raise you higher on the chair.

Does a Donut Pillow Help Sciatica?

Although a donut pillow can feel comfortable and supportive at first, it does not have the optimal shape and design to relieve pressure on lumbar discs and usually does not fix your posture while you sit.

The best seat cushion for sciatica is a coccyx wedge pillow, which encourages correct pelvic tilt to reduce pressure on the lumbar discs, and has a small cutout section in the rear to relieve pressure on the coccyx.

For example, the TravelMate Wellness Seat Cushion has all the elements to relieve sciatica pain while you sit on your ergonomic office chair and car seat.

Unconventional Uses for Coocyx Pillows

A donut pillow or coccyx cushion can certainly be used for more than just sitting:

• Meditation Support – place the coccyx pillow under your hips or tailbone to provide extra support and comfort during long meditation sessions.
• Lumbar Support – use the coccyx cushion as a lumbar support cushion while sitting on an office chair or driving for extended periods. It can help relieve lower back pain.
• Knee Support – position the coccyx pillow under your knees while lying down to provide elevation and support for better circulation or post-surgery recovery.
• Travel Buddy – bring the coccyx pillow with you on long flights or road trips. It can provide extra comfort and support for your lower back during extended periods of sitting.
• Yoga Prop – use the coccyx pillow in your yoga practice to help with difficult poses, such as shoulder stands or supported bridges.

Get Your Sit Together: More Ways to Relieve Coccyx Pain 

Coccyx pain affects your daily life not only when you sit, but also when you sleep, work, and perform your chores.

Any tool that keeps your spine aligned and boosts blood circulation can help your body heal faster and better.

Think about it, you’ll be able to sit for hours without having to shift, stand up, or even lie down to relieve the discomfort.

No more fidgeting, no more distraction, no more pain.

With the ability to sit pain-free, you’ll be able to focus better, be more productive, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures like sitting down for a meal with friends and family.

Just choose one of the 6 excellent choices we’ve given you here and see for yourself.

We also recommend using a deep-penetrating infrared heating pad as a natural pain relief tool to reduce the need for OTC medication, switching your mattress to a hybrid mattress for optimal back support, or at least using a body pillow to keep your spine aligned while you sleep.

A wireless TENS unit can help you manage your pain on the go, and so can a portable heating belt to wrap around your buttocks.

To your health and happiness,

The Back Pain Relief Products Team